"I don't know anything about grammar, and I don't give a shit. I sit down and I write."
-Malachy McCourt
"When I hear the words 'narrative arc' I reach for my revolver. I don't believe in it."
-Abigail Thomas
"Writing is art. Have you ever heard of a painter being edited?"
-Marta Szabo
"Platform. I hate that word. I don't even know what it means."
-Martha Frankel
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9 comments:
omg .. FANTASTIC! i love these people.
Yeah. Like that.
Alas, I cannot concur. Grammar is a fabulous tool in the service of clarity. Narrative arcs are a self-discipline to help the story reach a form that satisfies and communicates with the reader. Painters often undergo formal study in which their art is critiqued and they learn techniques to refine what they want to express and how they express it (a form of editing, if you will). However, I agree with Martha Frankel about "platform."
Very cool. But I agree with Laura, and I'd say that Malachy's observations on this carry a tad less weight than his brother, the real writer in the family, whose reputation he's been living off for some time now.
Malachy had quite a career before Angela's Ashes ever came out. Also, have you read any of his books John? And is there an actual definition of a "real" writer?
I'd be interested to hear it.
Until then, I'll just imagine my sweet Malachy, (we're practically dating, you know)in his finest Irish accent, chuckling with the joy that emanates from him, suggesting politely, that you might kiss his arse for a comment like that.
Writing is personal. We all have our own unique way of accomplishing what we set out to share and I, for one, don't believe there is a "wrong" way to do it.
This humble former editor adores many writers, including the writer of this wonderful blog, but I also agree with Laura.
Remember: as long as a writer does not engage with the people who work long, underpaid hours in the precarious business of packaging, printing, distributing and selling books, he or she won't have to worry about hearing any of those dreaded words. It is a choice.
And as a quick look at any bestseller list will tell you, they often go unheeded in any case.
Platforms can kiss my arse.
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